Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the Facebook clip showed Stevenson pour petrol onto the clothes and set fire to them.

“In fairness to the defendant, Miss Gawthorpe has contacted the prosecution and said he has replaced the clothing,” said Miss Allan.

“She said she was not minded to proceed with the case but that is not a decision for her.”

Stevenson, who is subject to a restraining order, told the court there were ongoing problems with access to his child and Miss Gawthorpe turning up at his home, which put him in breach of the restraining order.

“It seems that if I don’t do as I am told I don’t get to see my child,” he said.

“I was just frustrated about the situation.”

Comments (1)

This case entirely typifies all that is wrong with our justice system today.
He wants access to the child, she has a restraining order and no wish to prosecute. Absolutely nothing has been resolved here, to anyone's benefit,
apart from the court gaining some money.
Why didn't the Magistrates not revisit the restraining order, to allow for access to the child or even consider a conditional order of discharge, instead of giving a conviction for criminal damage?
Hardly the wisdom of Solomon at work here, is it?

This case entirely typifies all that is wrong with our justice system today.
He wants access to the child, she has a restraining order and no wish to prosecute. Absolutely nothing has been resolved here, to anyone's benefit,
apart from the court gaining some money.
Why didn't the Magistrates not revisit the restraining order, to allow for access to the child or even consider a conditional order of discharge, instead of giving a conviction for criminal damage?
Hardly the wisdom of Solomon at work here, is it?woolywords